Relatives and friends of Mario Prickett spent most of the day in shock, still trying to process the news of his death Tuesday night. Prickett, 59, was killed when he was hit by a car while trying to cross Veterans Memorial Boulevard in Metairie, according to authorities.

Mario Prickett, 59, was killed Tuesday when he was hit by a car while trying to cross Veterans Memorial Boulevard in Metairie.Facebook

"He was a wonderful brother. One of the sweetest people that you'd ever want to meet," said Prickett's sister, Marta Hightower, 62. "This was a shock to me when I got the call this morning."

Hightower said Prickett was born and raised on Royal Street in the French Quarter. He was an altar boy at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church on Rampart Street and attended St. Louis Cathedral School. He graduated from John F. Kennedy High School in New Orleans in 1971.

Prickett was one of five siblings, but never married or had children, Hightower said. He took up freelance photography as a hobby.

"Mario was very talkative, very gregarious. He had many, many friends," Hightower said.

Pricket is survived by Hightower, sister Anna Acker and two brothers, John and Michael Prickett. Hightower said she intends to donate his remains to Louisiana State University. A memorial service is in the works for family and friends. But no date had been set as of Wednesday afternoon.